Hogwarts Raven

Hogwarts. 

This majestic castle, with its intricate architecture and omnipresent magical aura, has become the dream school for countless wizards and witches. The outer walls, built from massive gray stones, have withstood wind, frost, rain, and snow, remaining unyieldingly strong, as if each stone has witnessed the rise and growth of countless wizards. 

The spacious halls, winding corridors, the library brimming with books, and the unique headmaster's office are all part of the childhood memories that many wizards cherish, even into old age. Every year, at the start of the school term, people gather here. 

"Fawkes, you've been flying out a lot these days. Is there something new outside that's caught your attention?" Dumbledore asked while watching the fiery red figure soar in through the window. 

With the school term yet to begin, the atmosphere in the castle was somewhat quiet. All the students were on holiday, and even the professors had returned to their homes. Only a few, like Snape and Dumbledore, remained at the school. They weren't homeless; they just... no longer felt the warmth of home.

"Screech~" 

The high-pitched call indicated that the Phoenix was in a good mood. 

"The school term is about to start. You can't run around the school; you'll scare the kids." Dumbledore gently groomed the slightly disheveled feathers of his Phoenix. This was one of his few sources of amusement. 

For Snape, staying at the school felt no different than being at home. And for Dumbledore, he lacked the courage to face Godric's Hollow again. Yes, courage. Many people only see the glory and strength of Albus Dumbledore; few can see through his dazzling aura to the loneliness that envelops the headmaster of Hogwarts. 

When a Gryffindor loses courage, it's a clear sign that he has fallen into the abyss, completely lost.

"If you really want to find something to do, perhaps you could help me look for the Chamber again." Dumbledore didn't fully understand the language of Phoenixes, but that didn't mean the Phoenix couldn't understand human speech. 

"Screech! Screech! Screech!" The Phoenix seemed to agree. Dumbledore could sense this emotionally. 

"Thank you." He took out some snacks. However, the fiery red Phoenix perched on Dumbledore's arm, disdainfully ignoring the treats he offered, instead letting out a clear cry toward the outside of the school.

"Severus." Dumbledore looked up and saw Snape walking into the school, his demeanor heavy. Judging from the direction he came from, Dumbledore could guess where Snape had been. "You finally went to see that pitiful child." 

Dumbledore's figure vanished from the office window, only to reappear in the castle passage where Snape had entered— this was the magic of Fawkes the Phoenix. Although the rules within Hogwarts castle might not necessarily restrict a wizard like Dumbledore, he rarely broke the ancient traditions of the school.

"That damn kid is not pitiful at all." Snape seemed startled by Dumbledore's sudden appearance, but upon hearing his words, he couldn't help but twitch his face, recalling the horrifying scene he had just witnessed. Even dabbling in dark magic— could that really be called pitiful?

"Don't always suppress your emotions; that child needs your care." Dumbledore's voice carried a peaceful, almost magical quality. He patiently advised Snape. Many believed that Dumbledore only used Snape or felt pity for him. 

However, the truth was that Dumbledore saw his own past reflected in Snape. Perhaps the details were different, but Dumbledore was likely the one who could empathize with Snape the most. 

Both had pursued extreme paths and experienced sudden awakenings due to unforeseen changes. Only, unlike him, Snape now had the opportunity for redemption.

"I admit that my previous words were somewhat extreme. He only has you as a relative; if even you want to reject him, he will have no one to rely on in this world." Dumbledore genuinely hoped to see in Snape what he himself could not hope for. 

Of course, he was also considering Ian, the orphan. Having a wizard like Snape to rely on would undoubtedly make the future path of a young wizard much easier.

"..." Snape's eyes flickered slightly, rarely refraining from refuting. "Ian is doing well in Hogsmeade village. I see he is adapting... to life in the wizarding world." Snape's expression was slightly unnatural as he spoke.

Dumbledore didn't mind. "He can take care of a group of children; of course, he knows how to take care of himself." After all, Dumbledore had personally conducted a background check on Ian. He knew a lot about Ian's situation.

"Hmph! That kid! He's just taking too good care of himself!" Snape gritted his teeth, the memory of what he had seen making his blood pressure rise.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Dumbledore chuckled softly, clearly unaware of the full picture.

"..." Snape shot Dumbledore a strange look, choosing not to say anything else. He simply shook his head, bypassed Dumbledore, and headed back to his office. He still had a potion brewing.

"Perhaps you should bring him to live with you in the castle," Dumbledore suggested to Snape's retreating figure.

"I don't want to be driven to madness just yet." Snape's voice was cold as he dragged his robe behind him and continued walking. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he stopped and turned back. Dumbledore was still standing there, holding the Phoenix.

"Albus." Snape hesitated before speaking. "What year were you in when you learned complex magic, and how long did it take?" The Potions professor stared intently at his headmaster.

This made Dumbledore slightly puzzled. "Although the outside world praises my magical talent, in fact, I am just slightly more talented," Dumbledore replied modestly. "If my old brain remembers correctly, it should have been in the afternoon of my second year. That was not the magic I should have been exposed to at the time; it took a whole afternoon." 

For most wizards, this would definitely be Dumbledore's moment of boasting. However, Snape's response was different.

"Damn, it seems your fame is somewhat undeserved..." Snape sighed, his expression growing more worried as he turned to leave.

"????" Dumbledore was momentarily stunned. Then, he seemed to realize something. A trace of... horror flashed in his eyes behind his glasses.

(End of Chapter)

You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my P*treon: https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395